Escalating Tensions: Israel Strikes Iran Amidst U.S. Pressure

Tel Aviv, Jun 23 (AP) Israel's military launched strikes near Iran's western city of Kermanshah on Monday, escalating tensions in the region following the United States' recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. The move has sparked concerns over a broader regional conflict. As financial markets reacted, the price of oil rose amid these uncertainties.

Iran condemned the U.S. actions as a violation, criticizing the targeting of key facilities with missiles and massive bunker-buster bombs. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against retaliating, hinting at potential "regime change" despite earlier talk of resuming negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed interest in direct talks with Iran during a CBS interview.

Iran's supreme leader's adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, declared that any nation facilitating U.S. strikes would be considered a legitimate target by Iran's armed forces, as reported by IRNA. The presence of tens of thousands of American troops in the Middle East complicates the situation.

In recent developments, Iran launched an attack on Haifa and Tel Aviv, marking it as "True Promise 3," deploying both missiles and drones in their offensive.

UK's Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated confidence that the U.S. is not targeting Iran's civilian leadership, despite Trump’s social media suggestions. After conversing with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Secretary Rubio, the UK is advocating for diplomatic resolution.

Sirens sounded in both Jordan and central Israel following Iranian missile barrages targeting Israeli locations.

Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi warned the U.S. that their actions have empowered Iran to counteract U.S. interests. He described the U.S. airstrikes as an infringement of Iran's sovereignty.

The Israeli military reported the downing of one of its drones in Iran, and targeted missile sites inside Iran with 15 fighter jets.

Iran's judiciary executed a third alleged Mossad spy, Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, amid growing concerns from activists about an uptick in executions following Israel's military actions. Amnesty International had previously flagged his case.

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